Three-Day Customary Land Recording Exercise Successfully Completed in Tetekaji Ward, East Guadalcanal
Tetekaji Ward, East Guadalcanal 7 August 2026: A three-day customary land recording awareness and recording exercise was successfully conducted from Wednesday 5th to Friday 7th August 2026 in Tetekaji Ward, East Guadalcanal, involving four customary landholding groups and approximately 300 tribal members and witnesses.
The exercise was carried out by the Customary Land Recording Unit of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, led by the National Recorder, Director and Recording Officer. The programme focused on raising awareness among the communities and undertaking the recording of customary land rights for the two participating landholding groups of Mata and Jilisere tribes regarding Vatugerea & Suhu Longa customary lands.
The three-day programme provided an important opportunity for members of the two landholding groups to learn about the customary land recording process, understand their rights and responsibilities, and participate in the identification and confirmation of information relating to their customary land.
During the awareness sessions, the recording team explained the purpose and importance of customary land recording, the procedures involved, and the need for landholding groups and their witnesses to provide accurate information regarding their customary land rights, boundaries, genealogy and traditional ownership.
The communities demonstrated strong interest and commitment throughout the exercise, with approximately 300 participants from different tribes and witnesses attending and participating in the programme. Their involvement was an important part of ensuring that the information presented during the recording process was properly discussed, witnessed and confirmed by the respective communities.
A traditional chupu was also presented by the Paramount Chief of Tetekaji on behalf of chiefs and community members as a gesture of welcome and appreciation to the visiting team from the Customary Land Recording Unit. The traditional presentation welcomed the National Recorder, Director, Recording Officer and other members of the recording team and reflected the community’s appreciation for the team’s visit and engagement with the landholding groups.
The exercise also provided an opportunity for community members to raise questions and discuss issues concerning their customary land. Elders, chiefs, landholding group members, women, children and witnesses played an important role in providing traditional knowledge and information necessary for the recording process.
The successful completion of the three-day exercise marks an important milestone for the two landholding groups of Vatugerea and Suhu Longa customary land. It demonstrates the willingness of customary landowners to participate in the formal recording of their customary land rights and to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey.
The Ministry continues to recognise the importance of community participation in customary land recording. Proper recording of customary land rights can provide greater clarity and certainty for landholding groups and help establish a stronger foundation for the sustainable management and future development of customary land.
The three-day programme concluded successfully on Friday 7th August, with the recording team acknowledging the cooperation, hospitality and active participation of the two landholding groups present and the wider Tetekaji community.
The successful exercise in Tetekaji Ward demonstrates that strong community participation, traditional leadership and effective engagement are essential to the successful recording and recognition of customary land rights in Solomon Islands.